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About this project

A young photographer with a phobia risks her career, her love, and her life when her search for what is normal opens the door to events that will change her forever.

GNORML (pronounced “normal”) is a unique combination film and photography book project that has never been done before (as far as we know.) It is about questioning what it means to be normal and living life to the fullest regardless of your situation. The film revolves around Jemma Walsh, a young photographer with a germ phobia who's goal is to publish a successful photography book. She photographs all manner of colorful, creative, everyday people, unknowingly searching for an understanding of herself within her subjects. ...And so begins the thrilling drama.

But the project doesn't end with the film.

The coffee table photography book that Jemma creates in this fictional narrative is REAL. The book with all of the colorful characters from the film along with a select few of our own KickStarter backers will actually be produced and distributed. This could be you or the person of your choice whom you wish to have immortalized in print!

GNORML is a uniquely suspenseful drama that twists its way around a young photographer with a germ phobia who hides from the world by building a closed set in which to photograph people, only to find that she has opened a door to herself that she will not be able to close... and it may kill her.

Frustrated by the industry game, Jemma's phobia pushes her career to a break point. Her profession is about seeing the beauty and intimacy of people, but the reality of her fear of getting close strangles her passion. Instead of fighting it, she embraces it by building an enclosed set, a box, where she shoots her subjects behind glass. Now free to experience all manner of wild, crazy, and diverse individuals, she pushes beyond her previous limits of acceptability and finds herself risking her career, a lover, and her life in a search for what is truly normal.
In this frenzy, Jemma finds a young subject, Alan, who can see right through her and challenges her to let him in. She will question everything she believes about acceptance and normalcy as she learns that "normal" people are rarely what they seem. And, that to be with Alan and truly experience life unfettered she must find a way to divulge her own dark secret. She has HIV.

Tonally, this drama enjoys elements of a romantic comedy bracketing action scenes as powerful as a suspense thriller. The intensity is ultimately channeled into a heartfelt lesson from a character we've scorned, cheered, and loved.

We are lucky to live in Los Angeles, a city with many movie making professionals who love their work and are sometimes willing to accept less compensation for projects that they love. We have the privilege of working with some of those people and, therefore, we know that all of the money that we recieve from this campaign will be put toward primarily locations, legal & insurance, food, and equipment. GNORML is set in one primary location, Jemma's loft, another fact that enables us to keep costs down. We will be doing our best to tell this story in the most beautiful and entertaining way possible. But it won't be easy.

Our professional Line Producer, who regularly works on major film and TV shows, has worked with us to create an industry standard budget for our film of $350,000. That's doing this film the way we think it should be done and making sure everyone who works on the film gets a modest compensation.

So, how do we plan to accomplish this film with only $25K?

Well, there's two options. First, we continue to speak with interested investors who we feel just need a little bump from the KickStarter community to convince them this project is right for them. We've gotten nothing but positive feedback and intense interest from industry professionals, agencies, and talent with whom we have shared the project. And, your contributions will enable us to make commitments, draw a line in the sand, and demonstrate to investors that this film is underway.

Okay, so what if that isn't the reality?

Well, then awesome! Being fully funded by KickStarter enables us to retain all of the control and excitement of producing a truly independent film. We've identified cost cutting measures and digital workflows that will allow this awesome story to make it's way to you.

Some of those are:

Will rely almost entirely on volunteer crew labor.

Production will only provide fast food (as healthy as possible).

We will reduce the use of some production equipment.

Will use SAG’s “Ultra-Low Budget Agreement"

Will shoot only on professional HD DSLR cameras (i.e. Canon 5D MkII)

All Pre and Post-Production working out of crew’s houses & garages.

Only basic color correction available during edit.

Will use favors for soundtrack with mostly “canned” music.

Will necessitate a shorter 15 day schedule.

Book will be self published.

Of course we're already working on the pre-production aspects of the film at this very moment. And we will be updating KickStarter users regularly on our progress towards meeting our goals. But you can do better! In the true spirit of crowd funding we'll be providing backer-only updates often in real-time via mobile video blog posts. They will include our progress in production, what resources we're using, people and players who are a part of the project, and behind the scenes looks at what it takes to make GNORML. It's almost like you are a part of the crew!

So please give what you can, like us with the Facebook button, and let your friends know that you are participating in a fun project. The Facebook cover image and more goodies are available on gnorml.com spread the word!

FAQ

Have a question?
If the info above doesn't help, you can ask the project creator directly.

Rewards

Pledge $1 or more

A big thank you and a man-hug from the filmmakers! Bragging rights, and the satisfaction of knowing that you've helped create an awesome film. (Don't forget exclusive backer-only updates.)

Estimated delivery:Aug 2012

You selected

Pledge $1 or more

0 backers
Limited (20000 left of 20000)

GET THE DIGITAL SCREENPLAY! A big thank you and a man-hug from the filmmakers! Bragging rights, and the satisfaction of knowing that you've helped create an awesome film. (Read Backer-only Update #9)

Estimated delivery:Aug 2012

You selected

Pledge $10 or more

8 backers

A "Watch it first" HD digital download of the film, your "name in lights" and your link on the Gnorml website, and a personal thank you message via Twitter.

Estimated delivery:Dec 2013

You selected

Pledge $20 or more

8 backers

A KickStarter edition DVD of the film with custom cover art, a downloadable special edition poster, an HD digital download of the film, your "name in lights" and your link on the Gnorml website, and a personal thank you message via Twitter.

Estimated delivery:Dec 2013

You selected

Pledge $25 or more

16 backers

A signed copy of the shooting script, a KickStarter edition DVD, a digital poster, an HD digital download of the film, your "name in lights" and your link on the Gnorml website, and a personal thank you message via Twitter.

Estimated delivery:Dec 2013

You selected

Pledge $50 or more

6 backers

A Blu-ray version of the movie with special extras including behind the scenes, out-takes and bloopers, a signed copy of the shooting script, a digital poster, an HD digital download of the film, your "name in lights" and your link on the Gnorml website, and a personal thank you message via Twitter.

Estimated delivery:Dec 2013

You selected

Pledge $75 or more

0 backers

A signed 24" x 36" print of the movie poster, a Blu-ray/DVD version of the movie with special extras including behind the scenes, out-takes and bloopers, a signed copy of the shooting script, a digital poster, an HD digital download of the film, your "name in lights" and your link on the Gnorml website, and a personal thank you message via Twitter.

Estimated delivery:Dec 2013

You selected

Pledge $75 or more

5 backers

An official "Gnorml" movie t-shirt, a Blu-ray/DVD version of the movie with special extras including behind the scenes, out-takes and bloopers, a signed copy of the shooting script, a digital poster, an HD digital download of the film, your "name in lights" and your link on the Gnorml website, and a personal thank you message via Twitter.

Estimated delivery:Dec 2013

You selected

Pledge $100 or more

8 backers
Limited (42 left of 50)

A walk-on role as an extra in one of the scenes, a Blu-ray/DVD version of the movie with special extras including behind the scenes, out-takes and bloopers, a signed copy of the shooting script, a digital poster, an HD digital download of the film, your "name in lights" and your link on the Gnorml website, and a personal thank you message via Twitter.

Estimated delivery:Dec 2013

You selected

Pledge $150 or more

4 backers
Limited (96 left of 100)

An invitation to our exclusive red carpet screening with the cast & crew, a Blu-ray/DVD version of the movie with special extras including behind the scenes, out-takes and bloopers, a signed copy of the shooting script, a digital poster, an HD digital download of the film, your "name in lights" and your link on the Gnorml website, and a personal thank you message via Twitter.

Estimated delivery:Dec 2013

You selected

Pledge $200 or more

1 backer
Limited (49 left of 50)

30min. personal video Skype call or conference call with the filmmakers and you and your friends, a Blu-ray/DVD version of the movie with special extras including behind the scenes, out-takes and bloopers, a signed copy of the shooting script, a digital poster, an HD digital download of the film, your "name in lights" and your link on the Gnorml website, and a personal thank you message via Twitter.

Estimated delivery:Dec 2013

You selected

Pledge $300 or more

1 backer
Limited (24 left of 25)

Exclusive photo shoot in the actual "Box" set and digital copies of your photos, a Blu-ray/DVD version of the movie with special extras including behind the scenes, out-takes and bloopers, a signed copy of the shooting script, a digital poster, an HD digital download of the film, your "name in lights" and your link on the Gnorml website, and a personal thank you message via Twitter.

Estimated delivery:Dec 2013

You selected

Pledge $400 or more

0 backers
Limited (25 left of 25)

Exclusive photo shoot in the actual "Box" set and digital copies of your photos AND guaranteed inclusion in our coffee table photography book, a Blu-ray/DVD version of the movie with special extras including behind the scenes, out-takes and bloopers, a signed copy of the shooting script, a digital poster, an HD digital download of the film, your "name in lights" and your link on the Gnorml website, and a personal thank you message via Twitter.

Estimated delivery:Dec 2013

You selected

Pledge $500 or more

2 backers
Limited (8 left of 10)

Associate Producer credit (& IMDB listing), a walk-on role as an extra, an invitation to our exclusive red carpet screening with the cast & crew, a Blu-ray/DVD version of the movie with special extras including behind the scenes, out-takes and bloopers, a signed copy of the shooting script, a digital poster, an HD digital download of the film, your "name in lights" and your link on the Gnorml website, and a personal thank you message via Twitter.

Estimated delivery:Dec 2013

You selected

Pledge $500 or more

0 backers
Limited (10 left of 10)

Associate Producer credit (& IMDB listing), a photo shoot in the "Box" set, an invitation to our exclusive red carpet screening with the cast & crew, a Blu-ray/DVD version of the movie with special extras including behind the scenes, out-takes and bloopers, a signed copy of the shooting script, a digital poster, an HD digital download of the film, your "name in lights" and your link on the Gnorml website, and a personal thank you message via Twitter.

Estimated delivery:Dec 2013

You selected

Pledge $500 or more

0 backers
Limited (10 left of 10)

A signed copy of the "Gnorml" coffee table book, an invitation to our exclusive red carpet screening with the cast & crew, a Blu-ray/DVD version of the movie with special extras including behind the scenes, out-takes and bloopers, a signed copy of the shooting script, a digital poster, an HD digital download of the film, your "name in lights" and your link on the Gnorml website, and a personal thank you message via Twitter.

Estimated delivery:Dec 2013

You selected

Pledge $750 or more

0 backers
Limited (20 left of 20)

One pass to our one-day Filmmakers Workshop in Hollywood, an invitation to our exclusive red carpet screening with the cast & crew, a Blu-ray/DVD version of the movie with special extras including behind the scenes, out-takes and bloopers, a signed copy of the shooting script, a digital poster, an HD digital download of the film, your "name in lights" and your link on the Gnorml website, and a personal thank you message via Twitter. (Travel & accom. not incl.)

Estimated delivery:Dec 2013

You selected

Pledge $1,000 or more

1 backer
Limited (9 left of 10)

A signed copy of the "Gnorml" coffee table book, one pass to our one-day Filmmakers Workshop in Hollywood, an invitation to our exclusive red carpet screening with the cast & crew, a Blu-ray/DVD version of the movie with special extras including behind the scenes, out-takes and bloopers, a signed copy of the shooting script, a digital poster, an HD digital download of the film, your "name in lights" and your link on the Gnorml website, and a personal thank you message via Twitter. (Travel & accom. not incl.)

Estimated delivery:Dec 2013

You selected

Pledge $1,000 or more

0 backers
Limited (10 left of 10)

1hr. personal video Skype call or conference call with the filmmakers and you and your friends, a signed copy of the "Gnorml" coffee table book, an invitation to our exclusive red carpet screening with the cast & crew, a Blu-ray/DVD version of the movie with special extras including behind the scenes, out-takes and bloopers, a signed copy of the shooting script, a digital poster, an HD digital download of the film, your "name in lights" and your link on the Gnorml website, and a personal thank you message via Twitter. (Travel & accom. not incl.)

Estimated delivery:Dec 2013

You selected

Pledge $1,500 or more

0 backers
Limited (5 left of 5)

A behind-the-scenes tour on the set with the Producer, a signed copy of the "Gnorml" coffee table book, an invitation to our exclusive red carpet screening with the cast & crew, a Blu-ray/DVD version of the movie with special extras including behind the scenes, out-takes and bloopers, a signed copy of the shooting script, a digital poster, an HD digital download of the film, your "name in lights" and your link on the Gnorml website, and a personal thank you message via Twitter. (Travel & accom. not incl.)

Estimated delivery:Dec 2013

You selected

Pledge $2,500 or more

0 backers
Limited (5 left of 5)

A posh dinner at a swanky Beverly Hills restaurant with the Producer and Director, Associate Producer credit (& IMDB listing), a signed copy of the "Gnorml" coffee table book, an invitation to our exclusive red carpet screening with the cast & crew, a Blu-ray/DVD version of the movie with special extras including behind the scenes, out-takes and bloopers, a signed copy of the shooting script, a digital poster, an HD digital download of the film, your "name in lights" and your link on the Gnorml website, and a personal thank you message via Twitter. (Travel & accom. not incl.)

Estimated delivery:Dec 2013

You selected

Pledge $5,000 or more

0 backers
Limited (5 left of 5)

A walk-on acting role in the film with dialog and an IMDB credit, a signed copy of the "Gnorml" coffee table book, an invitation to our exclusive red carpet screening with the cast & crew, a Blu-ray/DVD version of the movie with special extras including behind the scenes, out-takes and bloopers, a signed copy of the shooting script, a digital poster, an HD digital download of the film, your "name in lights" and your link on the Gnorml website, and a personal thank you message via Twitter. (Travel & accom. not incl.)

Estimated delivery:Dec 2013

You selected

Pledge $10,000

0 backers
Limited (5 left of 5)

An Executive Producer credit (& IMDB listing), a signed copy of the "Gnorml" coffee table book, an invitation to our exclusive red carpet screening with the cast & crew, a Blu-ray/DVD version of the movie with special extras including behind the scenes, out-takes and bloopers, a signed copy of the shooting script, a "Gnorml" t-shirt, a printed 24" x 36" poster, a digital poster, an HD digital download of the film, your "name in lights" and your link on the Gnorml website, and a personal thank you message via Twitter. (Travel & accom. not incl.) Basically, you get the WORKS!

Estimated delivery:Dec 2013

Funding period

Jul 17, 2012 - Aug 16, 2012
(30 days)

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